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Creamy Garlic Mussels Pasta Bake Recipe

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This Creamy Garlic Mussels Pasta Bake is a comforting seafood casserole featuring tender mussels, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic cream sauce topped with golden, bubbly cheese and crispy breadcrumbs. It’s an elegant yet easy meal for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 pound cooked mussels, removed from their shells
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta until just al dente according to the package directions, then drain and set aside.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion until softened.
  4. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute before gradually adding the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth.
  6. Stir in the cream cheese, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper until the sauce is creamy.
  7. Mix in half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese until melted.
  8. Fold in the cooked mussels and chopped parsley.
  9. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
  10. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
  11. Mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the cheese.
  12. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
  13. Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Add spinach, mushrooms, shrimp, scallops, or sun-dried tomatoes for delicious variations.
  • Substitute Gruyère or white cheddar for the mozzarella if desired.
  • For extra heat, stir in crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat in a 350°F oven or microwave with a splash of milk or cream if needed. Freezing is not recommended.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/creamy-garlic-mussels-pasta-bake-recipe/